Salt Lake City, Utah -
Virgin Mary in a Stump

The Virgin in a stump, more of the sawed off space where a branch was, was vandalized sometime about a year and a half or so ago. I never heard of them ever charging anyone with the vandalism. The candles, stairway, and written prayers continue, even though the robed shape has been chopped out. It's in a tiny vest pocket park with children's play area, lots of trees, very near the Job Service offices and a major thrift store. It has an odd feel to it, being a focus of so much hope and belief. I live nearby and stop occasionally. [Joan Winslow, 07/19/2003]

Here in Salt Lake City, UT, we have a Virgin Mary in a Stump...! It's almost identical to the one you described in California... Here, it's actually the "Lady of Guadulupe", which is the same thing... It appeared in early fall 1997, downtown, corner of 700 south and 300 east. There are always a bunch of Hispanic folk that flock to the place, where they have candles lit all around the tree, flowers all around it, and have even gone to the extent of building a little staircase that will allow you to go up to the image where you could adorn or kiss the image. In fact, the image is in a city park and because of all the previously mentioned stuff, the city had threatened to take down everything. It didn't happen, thanks to a petition signed by thousands. [Paul Hemingway, 02/11/1998]